On the surface, the Greengrass family's visit seemed like a simple chance for Draco and Astoria, the younger generation, to meet and grow closer. In truth, it was a trial conversation—an opening move in potential cooperation between two pure-blood families.
The Greengrass family might not hold much power within the British Ministry of Magic, nor did they possess the immense wealth of the Parkinsons. Yet, as one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, they naturally had their own heritage and hidden strength.
To be precise, the Greengrasses had their own trump card. That was the reason they could stand firmly among the pure-blood families, and why they could speak as equals with the currently dominant Malfoys.
Judging by the expressions on both patriarchs' faces, the discussion had gone well. At the very least, there was no trace of displeasure on Lucius Malfoy's face.
Things seemed smooth enough—otherwise Narcissa would never have taken it upon herself to decide Draco's schedule for the next day.
Setting aside her usual mischievous streak, Draco could tell his parents thought very highly of Astoria, who would soon be a first-year at Hogwarts.
But why?
As the petite figure waved obediently before disappearing through the doorway, Draco was left with that unanswered question. After Astoria and her family departed, Lucius Malfoy stepped forward to face his son...
...
After casting Draco a concerned glance, Narcissa withdrew, leaving father and son alone.
There was a pause of silence. Then Lucius tapped his cane lightly against the floor.
"I heard from Lockhart what you've been doing at Hogwarts."
"Lockhart?"
"The Chamber of Secrets, the diary... even the Dark Lord."
"..."
Draco wasn't surprised his father had learned of these events. What startled him was hearing Lockhart's name from his father's lips.
Lucius seemed to notice his reaction, sneering faintly with displeasure.
"Don't underestimate any wizard, Draco. That lunatic is not so simple."
Of course, Draco hadn't underestimated Lockhart. His father must have misunderstood. Having fought him firsthand, Draco knew exactly how deranged Lockhart was, and had already guessed he played the part of a double agent.
What he hadn't expected was that Lockhart had kept things hidden even from his father. That alone explained Draco's surprise.
Lucius, however, likely didn't know that Lockhart had once tried to cast Fiendfyre on Draco himself.
"That diary was the key the Dark Lord used to open the Chamber of Secrets. That was its intended purpose. As for why—it was probably meant to sow chaos and draw attention."
"But the timing—"
"That was deliberate. But I never expected you would clash with the Dark Lord himself. That was not part of my plan."
"Perhaps you should have told me earlier. If that diary was truly the key..."
Draco didn't understand what plan his father referred to. Truthfully, he had never imagined he would encounter Voldemort at all—even as a mere Horcrux.
Seeing his son's helpless expression, Lucius glared at him, though he knew it had been nothing but coincidence. Perhaps he had underestimated Draco's capabilities.
If it weren't for the fact that he still placed some trust in Lockhart, Lucius would never have believed Draco capable of slaying a Basilisk. Yet, in the end, even he had been deceived by that battle-mad wizard.
With that thought, Lucius led Draco upstairs.
"There are things you need to know."
...
Step. Step. Step.
Draco followed, puzzled but silent.
Perhaps it was because he had always been independent and rarely caused trouble. Compared to Narcissa's doting, Lucius usually played the role of the strict father, never one to hand out easy praise.
Even when Draco had shown his talent as a powerful wizard at Hogwarts, Lucius had not openly commended him.
Rather, his approach was one of restraint—letting Draco grow freely on his own.
But tonight, Lucius Malfoy seemed different. On the way to the study, Draco could feel the weight in the air, the sense that something important was about to be revealed.
"That study..."
Draco recalled what he knew of it.
For as long as he could remember, the study at the very top of the manor had been forbidden. Only Lucius ever entered. To be precise, it was a room that only the head of the family had the right to access.
It was called forbidden because of the enchantments placed upon it, protections like those around Dumbledore's office. Force entry, and the magic would trigger immediately.
The only key was not a password, but the serpent-headed cane that never left Lucius's side. That cane was the emblem of the Malfoy patriarch—and the key to the study itself.
Aside from the ornate serpent head, the black shaft was carved with the Malfoy crest and mysterious runes whose purpose Draco did not know.
In truth, the cane was also Lucius's wand—or more accurately, a special cane designed to conceal and sheath a wand, like the hidden blade of a Muggle sword cane.
At last, they arrived before the door. Draco's eyes lingered on his father with curiosity.
"It's a little early, but if it's you..."
Lucius lifted the cane slowly as he spoke.
Before Draco could consider the meaning, he saw the serpent's head slide into a small hole in the door—one he hadn't noticed until now.
When the shaft was fully swallowed, the serpent head became a turning handle.
"My son, you must carry on the glory of the Malfoy name."
Click.
As Lucius turned the serpent head, the sound of enchantments breaking filled the air.
The secrets of that forbidden room were about to be revealed.
The secret of the Malfoy family—one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
...
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